As the world of hockey mourns for the 15 Humboldt Broncos players and team staff who died in a bus crash in Canada last week, team Chaplin Sean Brandow recalled the harrowing scene he witnessed during rescue efforts that horrific Friday.
Fans, friends and family gathered on Sunday night for a vigil and a memorial at the hockey team's home arena. Flowers and photos of the dead were laid out in a circle on the ice rink, while people sang hymns and said their prayers.
The pastor then got up to share some details of their attempts to save the injured from the accident. While 15 lost their lives, there were 14 more players who needed medical attention following the bus crash.
"I walked up on a scene I never want to see again," Brandow said. "To sit and hold the hand of a lifeless body...This is the valley of darkness," the pastor shared. "All I saw was darkness and hurt and anguish and fear and confusion."
Brandow said that the site of the accident was chaotic but the situation at the hospital also broke his heart as he knew each of the players and their families. He encouraged those in attendance at the vigil to draw strength from their faith.
He also said while there's an outpouring of support and love from the hockey community and fans, things would be difficult for the loved-ones of the departed for a long time. The pastor said, "That's when the real hurt and heartaches for the families are the community, that's when those voids are going to need to be filled."
The Broncos were on the road for the semifinal Game 5 match in Nipawin. The accident happened on Saskatchewan's Highway 35 when their bus collided with a tractor-trailer.
The team's coach, assistant coach, team announcer and bus driver all died at the scene, while the driver of the other vehicle survived. Authorities immediately suspended the license of the tractor-trailer's operator, Adesh Deol Trucking Ltd and are investigating the cause of the accident.
The team plays for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Most of the players are aged between 16 and 20 years old.
